Synthesis and physical characterization of KNbO3-based electro-ceramics

Abstract

KNbO3-based ferroelectric materials have been largely investigated as a result of many interesting physical properties that make them suitable for designing multifunctional elec- tronic components. In particular, ferroelectric (1 − x)KNbO3 − xBaNi1/2Nb1/2O3−δ (KBNN) solid solutions have received special attention for optical applications, including for high-performance photovoltaic devices. In this work, KBNN ceramics were produced via conventional sintering process (solid-state reaction), and the structural, microstruc- tural, electrical and optical properties were investigated. The results were analyzed and discussed in terms of the e ect from structural oxygen vacancy defects in such materials and from the grain size, in the speci c case of the observed electrical response. Overall, the results suggest these perovskite-structured semiconducting ferroelectric oxides as a good alternative for solar cell applications.